วันจันทร์ที่ 15 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2558

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has stated that the Government
attaches great importance to education reform, with an emphasis on basic
education, as its effects would shape the future of the country.

In his televised national address on 12 June 2015 in the program "Return
Happiness to the People,” the Prime Minister touched on the issue of strategies
for basic education reform.

The issue was discussed recently by the Basic Education Commission, which
set three major strategies to be implemented from 2015 to 2020. The strategies
include teaching and learning reform, vocational development reform, and
education management reform.

In the initial stage, six guidelines for basic education reform must be
carried out urgently from now until March 2016. In the first guideline, an
effective form of teaching should be developed to ease learners’ difficulties
with learning to read and write. The second guideline seeks to manage basic
education in accordance with vocational skills. Emphasis is placed on schools in
special economic zones in border provinces, namely Tak, Mukdahan, Sa Kaeo,
Songkhla, Trat, and Nong Khai.

In the third guideline, the teaching of English at the basic education
level must be developed. For instance, the Ministry of Education should seek
cooperation with the British Council in improving skills in English
communication for Thai students, in preparation for the ASEAN Community.

The fourth guideline seeks to produce, develop, and train teachers,
education administrators, and education supervisors. The fifth guideline
involves the upgrading of distance learning, while the sixth one involves the
qualification development of learners.

The Prime Minister said that he wanted to see the country’s education focus
not only on an intelligence quotient, but also emotional quotient. He believed
that parents also wanted to see their children be able to live happily with
other people, without the use of violence.

Speaking at a recent seminar on curriculum and teaching reforms, Education
Minister Admiral Narong Pipatanasai stressed the need for Thailand’s education
to adjust in order to produce and develop human resource, in response to the
changing situation. Education reform is not the matter of the Ministry of
Education alone; all sectors of Thai society should also give a helping hand.

He pointed out that education reform must help the country cope with future
challenges and prepare Thai workforce for multicultural society and the
increased application of new technology. Moreover, because of the shifting
demographic structure of Thailand’s population, the number of older persons will
increase significantly. The Thai education needs to be ready to meet this trend,
as well.

Public health volunteers across Thailand are joining a project to reduce
the number of smokers, as a tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 60th birthday anniversary this year.

The project was launched jointly by the Ministry of Public Health and the
National Alliance for Tobacco Free Thailand in a new anti-smoking campaign.

Public health volunteers are close to local villagers, as they help take
care of their health. They have also played a role in assisting people to change
their behavior in order to improve their health. Aware of the important role of
public health volunteers, the Ministry of Public Health has asked them to urge
local villagers to give up smoking.

A target has been set for one public health volunteer to help one person
quit smoking within a period of three months. In the first year of the project,
it is expected that 100,000 people, or one in each village, will quit smoking.

Those who give up tobacco consumption during the period will be given
purple wristbands, with the statement "Giving up smoking as a tribute to Her
Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 60th
birthday.”

Tobacco causes health hazards and both smokers and non-smokers are affected
by tobacco-related diseases. The effects of smoking are serious. According to
the Ministry of Public Health, about 50,000 Thais die each year from
tobacco-related diseases. The number represents 12 percent of all deaths in the
country. Smoking causes emphysema, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease, as
well as other diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and damaged blood
vessels. The Government spends about 45 billion baht each year on the treatment
of tobacco-related diseases.

Statistics compiled by the National Statistical Office showed that, in
2014, 11.4 million Thais over 15 years old were smokers. This means that one in
five of Thailand’s population is a smoker. Seventy percent of them live in rural
areas. The number of smokers who are younger than 18 was around 400,000 and
100,000 youths become first-time smokers each year. Seven in 10 of the new
smokers would be addicted to tobacco for the rest of their lives. The number of
smokers is likely to increase, if no action is taken.

All agencies involved are, therefore, stepping up the anti-smoking
campaign. The project to encourage public health volunteers to urge people to
give up tobacco consumption also focuses on providing the public with knowledge
about the dangers of smoking.

Many people are found to have decided to give up tobacco consumption
because of their determination, while a number said that they have been advised
by doctors to quit the smoking habit for a better life.

Deputy Prime Minister M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula said that Thailand had
received a good response from foreign investors.

Speaking in the program "Moving Thailand Forward,” the Deputy Prime
Minister revealed that during his recent visit to Japan, he learned that the
number of new companies seeking to co-invest with Thailand exceeded the set
target.

Over the past four months, 150 foreign investors have proposed to co-invest
with Thailand. It is expected that in the next two years and a half, these
companies would complete establishing their production bases here and start to
export.

In his opinion, the Deputy Prime Minister said that foreign investors were
interested in investing in Thailand, because they were impressed by the
favorable investment atmosphere here.

However, he said, Thailand should improve the tax system in order to
encourage more investors to use Thailand as a multinational trade center. It
should also focus more on co-investing with foreign investors in new industries,
with complex manufacturing processes and with innovation development.

Concerning the Thai economy over the past nine months, he said that the
overall situation has improved because of the expansion of the tourism sector
and public investment. The private sector investment is also picking up, but the
export sector still needs some time for improvement.

According to a report by the Office of the National Economic and Social
Development Board, Thailand’s total investment grew by 10.7 percent in the first
quarter of 2015, accelerating from a 3.2 percent growth in the previous quarter.
Public investment expanded by 37.8 percent. Private investment expanded by 3.6
percent. For the first time in seven quarters, the Business Sentiment Index
stood at a level higher than 50, which is the level at which business expand
their investment.

The export value in the first quarter was recorded at 52.9 billion US
dollars – a 4.3 percent contraction – and the export volume declined by 2.6
percent. The decline was a result of the slowdown in the global economy.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee on 10 June 2015
decided to maintain the policy rate at 1.50 percent per annum. It said that
economic momentum in the first four months of 2015 softened due to sluggish
private consumption and continued contraction in exports, as a result of a
slowdown in the Chinese and Asian economies and a shift in global trade
structure.

Nevertheless, increased disbursement of public investment expenditure and
continued improvement in tourism helped shore up the economy. In the periods
ahead, the Thai economy is projected to improve gradually, but subject to
downside risks from slower-than-expected recovery of the global economy,
especially China and other Asian economies. Therefore, the monetary policy
stance should continue to be accommodative in order to support the economic
recovery.

The Monetary Policy Committee will closely monitor Thailand’s economic and
financial developments, and stand ready to utilize the available policy space
appropriately in order to support the ongoing recovery and maintain long-term
financial stability.

วันพุธที่ 10 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2558

Government agencies, state enterprises, and local administrative
organizations have been urged to organize more meetings and seminars in the
provinces, as a way of stimulating local tourism.

The Cabinet, during its meeting on 9 June 2015, approved measures proposed
by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to stimulate tourism.

As the Government has declared 2015 the "Year of Discover Thainess,” with a
marketing campaign focusing on unique Thai culture, the Ministry deems it
necessary for the public and private sectors, as well as the general public, to
give cooperation in promoting tourism and serving as good hosts.

For instance, in organizing meetings and seminars in the provinces, various
agencies should use services provided by legally registered hotels. In the
North, the International Convention and Exhibition Center Commemorating His
Majesty’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary, located in Chiang Mai province, should
be given priority as the venue for the meetings and seminars.

As for the 2015 Discover Thainess Campaign, it emphasizes the country's
unique cultural treasures and the Thai way of life. The campaign is an attempt
to attract first-time and repeat visitors to explore Thailand’s new
destinations. In the campaign, 12 provinces that tourists should not miss have
been recommended. Recognized as "hidden gems,” the 12 provinces include Lampang,
Phetchabun, Nan, Buri Ram, Loei, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Trat, Chanthaburi,
Trang, Chumphon, and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

As for tourist arrivals in 2015, Thailand has set a target of 28 million
visitors, generating around US$42 billion, or 1.4 trillion baht, in revenue.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand reported that three of
Bangkok’s most famous landmarks were voted among the top ten in Asia by
travelers on the popular website TripAdvisor. They are the Reclining Buddha in
Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn. These places
were rated highly in a list of 25 landmark attractions in the site’s prestigious
Traveler’s Choice Awards for 2015.

In total, four Bangkok landmarks were listed among the top twenty. The
Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho, also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon, was fourth on the
list of Asia’s 25 best landmarks, while the Grand Palace took sixth place. The
symbol of Bangkok, Wat Arun, came ninth in the rankings. The Temple of the
Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaeo, located within the Grand Palace, was listed at
15.

Many TripAdvisor members expressed the view that if tourists had not seen
these important landmarks, they had not really experienced Bangkok, the capital
of Thailand.

วันอังคารที่ 9 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2558

The Government has declared its strong intention to fight corruption and is
stepping up an awareness-raising campaign against corruption.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha led various groups composing Thai
society to issue a declaration showing their determination to combat corruption.
The gathering took place on 8 June 2015 at Santi Maitri Building, Government
House.

Organized by the National Anti-Corruption Committee, the event was joined
by about 16,000 people, including members of the diplomatic corps and
representatives of international organizations. It was also intended to launch
anti-corruption campaigns, carried out by the Government and the National
Council for Peace and Order.

The Prime Minister stated that the Government would take serious action
against corruption in all dimensions. Those who have been involved in corrupt
practices must be severely punished. Inspections must be strictly made to ensure
transparency, while rules and regulations would be handled properly to prevent
corruption. In addition, moral consciousness must be fostered, especially among
children and youth, who are the future of the country.

He cited corruption as a major issue, saying that it corrodes public trust
in government officials and the public sector. The Prime Minister stressed the
need to eliminate this social ill, which has affected the bureaucratic system as
well as the business sector. As a way of dealing with this problem, he said, the
Government must reduce the gap between the rich and the poor through the
application of the Sufficiency Economy philosophy of His Majesty the King.

The Prime Minister also quoted Transparency International, which reported
that Thailand had improved 17 places to 85th out of 175 countries in the
Corruption Perception Index for 2014. It received a score of 38 out of 100. In
ASEAN, Thailand was ranked third, after Singapore and Malaysia. He said that
although the country performed better, according to these figures, further
improvements are needed.

The Prime Minister called on the public and private sectors, as well as
civil society, to join hands in strengthening the country through
anti-corruption efforts. The Government has appointed a committee to check and
follow up on the spending of the national budget by the public sector. Legal
action would be taken against offenders.

He said that amendments to tax collection must be made to bring income
earners into the tax system. The Government would also seek ways to help
low-income earners.

In declaring his firm stand against corruption, the Prime Minister pledged
to work with honesty, saying that he would not abuse his power for personal
gain. He would apply His Majesty the King’s Sufficiency Economy to national
administration and stand by the side of honest people to bring prosperity to
Thailand.

วันจันทร์ที่ 8 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2558

In response to the Government’s strategy to position Thailand as a
Muslim-friendly destination, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will launch
its first smartphone application designed specifically to make it easier for
Muslim visitors to find Muslim-friendly products, services, and facilities
across Thailand.

To be launched on 22 June 2015, the app for IOS and Android will be both an
online and offline guidebook that will help Muslim visitors find mosques, halal
restaurants and hotels, shopping centers with prayer rooms, and other facilities
around the country. It will initially be in Thai and English, and will later be
expanded to include Arabic and Bahasa Indonesia, as well.

TAT has also produced guidebooks and brochures to help Muslim visitors,
such as "Halal Check-in Thailand, which contains a list of halal certified
restaurants and Islamic attractions in the southernmost provinces of Yala,
Pattani, and Narathiwat.

The "Muslim-Friendly Destination” is a pilot project to welcome more Muslim
visitors to Thailand. TAT realizes the potential and readiness of Thailand to
promote this market. Thailand is already the top destination in Asia for Middle
East travelers. Among destinations that are not Muslim countries, it is ranked
second in the world by the Global Muslim Travel Index.

At present, the population of Muslims worldwide is estimated at 1.6
billion, or about one in four of the total world population. The Muslim
population in the ASEAN region is about 240 million, a significantly large and
growing market, especially from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. The
potential will rise further after the ASEAN Community is launched at the end of
2015.

As such, Thailand has great potential to serve this market, in which there
is a whole new generation of young Muslim Thais emerging nationwide. They will
seek promising opportunities in the tourism sector in the future.

Acting TAT Governor Juthaporn Rerngronasa said that the number of Muslim
visitors from ASEAN neighbors is expected to increase significantly, especially
in southern Thailand. TAT also aims to attract Muslim families to spend the Holy
Month of Ramadan in Thailand, especially in some southern provinces, such as
Phuket, which is gearing up to be a halal food center, and Krabi, which is
positioning itself as a "Dream Destination for Muslims.”

According to TAT, other target markets, such as India, the Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC) countries (United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Kuwait), Egypt, Iran,
and North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria) are also very attractive
markets in this category. Although the Asia-Pacific region is a major
destination for Muslim tourists, led by Malaysia and Indonesia, there are still
a lot of opportunities for Thailand to tap the market.

A lot of new products are emerging to cater to the market, such as a
leading halal hotel scheduled to open in October 2015 in Bangkok, and quality
halal restaurants in the major tourist cities, especially in the southern
provinces, as well as the promotion of "Halal Lanna” food in the northern
provinces.

Thailand will host an international symposium on landmine victim assistance
between 14 and 17 June 2015 in Bangkok and the northeastern province of Surin.

The symposium, titled "The Bangkok Symposium on Landmine Victim Assistance:
Enhancing a Comprehensive and Sustainable Mine Action,” will be organized by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It is a follow-up on the success of the previous Bangkok Symposium on
Cooperation and Assistance, hosted by Thailand in 2014. Thailand has been a
State Party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention since 1999 and is
currently a member of the Committee on Victim Assistance under the
Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangkok Symposium 2015
aims to provide a forum for the participants to engage in an exchange of opinion
and experience regarding current status and developments of landmine victim
assistance around the world. The participants include representatives and
experts from States Parties of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and other
observer states, as well as international organizations and relevant
non-governmental organizations.

By connecting landmine victim assistance to the empowerment of persons with
disabilities in general, the objective of the symposium is to ensure full,
equal, and effective participation of mine victims in their societies.

The Bangkok Symposium consists of two parts: a forum to exchange opinions
and experiences in Bangkok and a visit to minefield in Surin Province.

Under the Ottawa Treaty on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling,
Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and Their Destruction, Thailand
established the Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC), which functions as the
operations center for all activities involving land mine clearance and
humanitarian work. The Royal Thai Armed Forces are the key organizations in the
structure of TMAC.

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 7 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2558

The Thai government attaches great importance to the problem of human
trafficking, and it stresses strict law enforcement in dealing with this
problem.

In his televised national address on 5 June 2015 in the program "Return
Happiness to the People,” Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said that his
government is ready to cooperate with the international community in anti-human
trafficking operations.

He hopes that Thailand’s great efforts in fighting human trafficking will
gain international recognition and that the country’s ranking in the United
States' Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report will be upgraded. The Prime Minister
stated that the Government wanted all sectors of Thai society to be aware of
this issue and take part in preventing and suppressing trafficking in persons on
a continual basis.

Anti-human trafficking had been included in the national agenda. While
serious action must be taken against wrongdoers, trafficked victims must be
taken care of and other related problems must be dealt with. The Prime Minister
explained that human trafficking was involved not only with Rohingya migrants,
or any groups of illegal migrants. The issue also exists in other forms, such as
child labor, prostitution, beggars, and forced labor.

Also on 5 June 2015, the Prime Minister presided over the opening ceremony
of the 2015 National Anti-Human Trafficking Day at Santi Maitri Building,
Government House. Speaking at the ceremony, he pointed out that human
trafficking is a matter of human rights violations. It has eroded confidence in
Thailand’s industrial sector, especially exports, as well as economic
performance. The problem has also affected the country’s image and reputation.
Thai people must, therefore, join forces in seriously combating this issue.

The Government has expressed its strong intention to work closely with the
private sector, non-governmental organizations, civil society, academics, and
the media in Thailand and abroad in an attempt to bring trafficking in persons
under control.

The Prime Minister said that the Government is also stepping up efforts to
handle other related issues, such as those concerning migrant workers, child
prostitution, and beggars. At the same time, it is improving the operations of
various relevant agencies, especially those in the justice process, for greater
efficiency in handling the human trafficking problem.

He said that human trafficking is a complicated issue and could not be
solved during a short period. However, he hopes that the situation will improve
this year.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has
launched a project "Thailand against Human Trafficking.” Donations are welcome
for the project from now on until 5 September 2015, through the Kung Thai Bank,
Account No. 021-0-17650-4. Proceeds will go to various foundations to help
victims of human trafficking.

Thailand is in the process of developing its transport infrastructure and
is also stepping up efforts to attain the goal of becoming an aviation hub in
this part of the world.

The developments in aviation and overland transport infrastructure will
contribute to the country’s tourism growth and attract both quantity and quality
visitor arrivals in the years to come.

Speaking at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2015, held on 3-5 June 2015, the
Acting Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mrs. Juthaporn
Rerngronasa, stated that Airports of Thailand Public Company is expanding three
of Thailand’s key aviation gateways. The expansion at Bangkok’s main gateway,
Suvarnabhumi International Airport, will almost double its annual handling
capacity to 80 million passengers a year by 2020.

The renovation at Don Mueang International Airport, which handles low-cost
airlines, will bring its annual capacity to 30 million passengers by 2015. In
addition, Phuket International Airport is being expanded to more than double its
annual capacity to 12.5 million passengers by 2016.

Overland travel will connect Thailand with its neighbors in the Greater
Mekong Subregion, especially Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Myanmar. There are currently
four friendship bridges linking Thailand with Lao PDR, from Nong Khai to
Vientiane, Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Nakhon Phanom to Tha Khaek, and Chiang Khong
in Chiang Rai to Houay Xai.

Mrs. Juthaporn said that intra-ASEAN travel will be served by plenty of air
services and sea ports. It will allow visitors to Thailand to extend their
vacation in order to explore the charming culture and various world-renowned
tourist attractions in neighboring countries, which are all within three to four
hours flying time, similar to the European countries.

In order to facilitate intra- and inter-regional travel, the ASEAN Connect
Tourism campaign has been launched. The objectives are to entice visitors to
experience new destinations in ASEAN and to promote the connection routes from
Thailand to Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam.

The transport infrastructure will facilitate connectivity to, within, and
around Thailand and its neighboring countries.

Concerning tourism growth, Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkarn
Wattanavrangkul said that the Thai tourism industry is set for a promising
future, thanks to increased arrivals projected from China, India, and the ASEAN
countries, all of which are in Thailand’s immediate neighborhood.

In 2015, TAT has set a target of 28 million visitors, generating around
US$42 billion, or 1.4 trillion baht, in revenue. TAT’s new marketing campaign
"Discover Thainess” focuses on high-spending, long-staying niche markets, such
as health and wellness, weddings and honeymoons, culinary tourism, and marine
tourism.

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 4 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2558

U-Tapao – Rayong – Pattaya International Airport, commonly known as U-Tapao
Airport, will be developed as a commercial airport, linking with Suvarnabhumi
and Don Mueang international airports.

U-Tapao is located in Ban Chang district, Rayong province. It is about 140
kilometers southeast of Bangkok and about a 45-minute drive from Pattaya.

Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong and Commander-in-Chief
of the Royal Thai Navy Admiral Kraisorn Chansuwanich on 3 June 2015 signed a
Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on the development of U-Tapao Airport. The
project came after Head of the National Council for Peace and Order General
Prayut Chan-o-cha on 29 July 2014 instructed the Ministry of Transport and the
Royal Thai Navy to cooperate in seeking ways to develop U-Tapao as Bangkok’s
third commercial airport.

The development project also involves the construction of an "airport
link,” connecting Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao with the city of Bangkok
in order to cope with the growing air traffic in the future.

The Ministry of Transport and the Royal Thai Navy began to discuss the
project in December 2014, and later, they decided to upgrade U-Tapao, under the
concept of "One Airport, Two Missions.” According to the MOC, they will work
together in infrastructure development and business planning, under the
management of the airport by the Royal Thai Navy.

The development of U-Tapao Airport is divided into three phases. In the
first phase, to be carried out from 2015 to 2017, a new passenger terminal will
be constructed together with other facilities. With the new building and the
existing passenger terminal, the airport will have the capacity to accommodate
three million passengers a year. Construction of the second passenger terminal
will be completed in 2016.

If the numbers of flights and passengers increase significantly beyond
expectation, Airports of Thailand Public Company and Thai International Airways
will offer a helping hand in terms of ground services, if requested by the Royal
Thai Navy.

Various relevant agencies have also been urged to develop the cluster of
eastern provinces into a major tourist destination, so that more passengers will
use services at U-Tapao Airport.

The second phase will be implemented from 2018 to 2020 to prepare for
accommodating five million passengers a year. The third phase will be
implemented from 2020 onwards. It will involve the development of landside and
airside, as well as other facilities to enhance the airport's potential, so that
it will be able to cope with aviation growth in the future.

After the signing of the MOC, two working groups will be formed to carry
out the project, starting from June 2015 onwards.

For the second year in a row, Bangkok is predicted to be the world’s second
top destination and the number one in Asia-Pacific.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) quoted the newly-released
MasterCard Global Destinations Cities Index that 18.24 million visitors are
expected to spend time in the Thai capital in 2015. London ranked top city for
the world with 18.82 million visitors.

The TAT Acting Governor and Deputy Governor for International Marketing,
Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, said that Thailand is seeing a strong recovery in
all tourist markets. She thanked all concerned parties and stakeholders for
their tireless efforts in building and reiterating the image of Bangkok,
Thailand’s main gateway, as one of the world’s most popular tourist cities that
is complete with both modern conveniences and old charms.

The MasterCard Global Destinations Cities Index provides a ranking of the
132 most visited cities from around the world, in terms of international
overnight visitor arrivals and spending. On the global scale for 2015, Paris
ranked third with 16.06 million visitors, Dubai came fourth with 14.26 million
visitors, and Istanbul was in fifth place with 12.56 million visitors.

When compared with other destination cities in Asia and the Pacific,
Bangkok retained its position at number one, followed by Singapore, Kuala
Lumpur, Seoul, and Hong Kong. This ranking has remained unchanged since 2013
when the Thai capital became the first Asian city to top the global list.

In terms of spending, Bangkok ranked seventh in the world and third in
Asia-Pacific, with US$12.36 billion projected in international visitor
expenditure for 2015.

Mrs. Juthaporn said, "This ranking as well as a number of awards and honors
that Thailand and various Thai destinations, including Bangkok, have received so
far this year will certainly motivate us to work harder to welcome tourists.

"Under our 2015 Discover Thainess campaign, we hope to share with all our
international guests the Thai way of happiness through the various aspects of
Thainess; such as, Thai food, Thai arts, Thai wellness, and Thai festivities.”

Thailand expects to welcome a total of 28 million visitors generating an
estimated US$ 42 billion (1.4 trillion baht) in 2015.

วันพุธที่ 3 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2558

The Cabinet, during its meeting on 2 June 2015, approved strategies for
developing and enhancing the potential of Thailand’s halal business for the
period between 2016 and 2020.

It also gave the green light to an action plan, to be implemented under
these strategies, proposed by the Ministry of Industry. The Bureau of the Budget
was told to provide budget allocations for relevant agencies that would
implement the action plan.

The vision for these strategies is that Thai halal products and services
will be developed to higher standards in the world market and certified by halal
science on the basis of Islamic principles.

The objectives are to develop Thailand as a major halal production and
export base in the ASEAN region and the world and to make Thai halal products
better known and gain greater recognition.

In order to achieve this aim, four strategies have been worked out to
expand the halal service sector. The first strategy seeks to develop halal
standards and certification. In the second strategy, production of Thai halal
goods and services will be enhanced. The third strategy seeks to develop the
Thai halal business linking with the international market. In the fourth
strategy, halal science research and development will receive a boost in order
to strengthen the country’s halal industry.

Many agencies are involved in the five-year action plan for developing and
enhancing the potential of Thailand’s halal business. They include the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Ministry of
Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of
Interior, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education, the
Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Industry, and the Southern Border
Provinces Administrative Center, as well as religious and private organizations.

Thailand has great potential for producing and exporting more halal food to
the world market, especially ASEAN countries. As the ASEAN Community will be in
place in late 2015, the regional market for halal products and services is
likely to expand significantly. This huge market is waiting to be tapped by the
Muslim Thai community, since around 46 percent of 650 million people in the 10
ASEAN countries are Muslim.

Thailand now ranks fifth among the world’s largest halal producers. The
Government has provided support for the halal industry in an effort to upgrade
the standards of Thai halal products.

The Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University is Thailand’s first
halal science agency, and it plays an important role in developing the standards
of Thai halal food and providing analytical services and research for the
detection of contamination detrimental to halal food manufacturing.

The Government is confident that it is now on the right track in laying the
foundations for Thailand’s sustainable economic growth.

Deputy Government Spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd quoted the
recent report by Moody's Investors Service that Thailand's stable BAA1credit
rating is supported by a very strong government financial position.

He said that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha had been informed of
the report and thanked all sectors of Thai society for their efforts to help
stabilize the Thai economy, so that it has been well-recognized internationally.
The Government intends to introduce political and economic reforms for
sustainability, instead of establishing populist policies that would lead to
negative impacts in the long run.

According to Moody’s credit analysis, Thailand's well-diversified economy
and high foreign reserves are additional credit strengths. Manufacturing,
wholesale and retail trade, and agriculture accounted for around 52 percent of
nominal GDP in 2014, and 66 percent of employment. The services sector was the
single largest source of GDP growth in 2014, whereas the contribution from
agriculture was negligible.

Increased public investment spending will be the key to Thailand's growth
recovery in 2015 and 2016, whereas sluggish external demand recovery and
constraints on private consumption spending due to high household debt may act
as a drag on growth. In Moody's view, infrastructure improvements are likely to
help improve Thailand's regional competitiveness.

The rating agency also says that the military coup on 22 May 2014 restored
public order and stemmed economic uncertainty. The stable rating outlook means
that credit strengths and weaknesses are balanced.

Meanwhile, the Bank of Thailand issued a report on the economic and
monetary conditions for April 2015. The report says that the tourism sector and
public spending continued to play an important role in supporting the economy.
Thailand’s tourism industry continued to expand well, thanks to Chinese and
Malaysian tourists.

Public spending, particularly on capital expenditure for transportation and
irrigation, continued to be disbursed well, despite a slight decline after
acceleration in March 2015. Meanwhile, government revenues increased
significantly from the same period in 2015.

On the stability front, the unemployment rate declined slightly, thanks to
improving employment in the production sector after a continuing drop since the
beginning of the year. Inflation decreased on the back of domestic retail oil
prices, following the lower government oil fund levy and lower prices for meat
and eggs.

The current account registered a surplus, mainly because of import
contraction. The capital account also registered a surplus from inflows of
foreign direct investment. Overall, the balance of payments continued to record
a surplus, and the ratio of international reserves to short-term external debt
remained high.

All governmental and non-governmental bodies have been urged to invest more
in education to promote mindful education, religious diversity, ethical values,
and spiritual development, both among the young and for society at large, as,
for instance, in the Village of the Five Precepts Project in Thailand.

The call was contained in the Bangkok Declaration of the Twelfth
Anniversary Celebrations of the United Nations Day of Vesak, issued on 30 May
2015 in Thailand.

The declaration came after the conclusion of the celebrations, organized by
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University (MCU) and supported by the Thai
government from 28 to 30 May 2015. Buddhist leaders and Buddhist monks from 85
countries joined the celebrations and meetings under the theme of "Buddhism and
World Crisis."

As a way to help solve all forms of crises occurring in the world,
participants in the Twelfth Anniversary Celebrations of the United Nations Day
of Vesak urged all parties concerned to promote the optimistic view that,
through compassion and wisdom, crises can be turned into opportunities for
well-being. They also urged all individuals, especially those in positions of
responsibility, to promote the empowerment of women worldwide.

The Bangkok Declaration called for relief efforts for natural disasters and
famines, such as the recent earthquake in Nepal, already undertaken by the
Buddhist communities worldwide. All governments and communities within the ASEAN
Community, together with their neighbors, were also urged to find a solution for
the dire situation of the Mekong River and its fragile ecosystem.

Buddhist leaders were encouraged to strengthen their ongoing
inter-religious and inter-ethnic and cultural dialogue in order to promote
mutual understanding, reconciliation, respect, peace-building, and harmony, to
create a more integrated society within the ASEAN Community and beyond.

In addressing social problems, such as narcotic drugs, ethnic violence and
domestic abuse, the Bangkok Declaration called for the use of resources
available in the Buddhist traditions, such as the practice of mindfulness,
compassion, wisdom, self-responsibility, and respect for life and for all
people, regardless of social status and gender, as, for example, with the use of
mindfulness meditation to rehabilitate prisoners.

On the occasion of the 60th birthday anniversary of Her Royal Highness
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 2015, the Common Buddhist Text will be
published. The Bangkok Declaration also stated that, in commemoration of this
special occasion, Phase I of the Union Catalog of Buddhist Texts (UCBT) will be
launched. There will be a new UCBT online catalog that will link the online
catalogs for all the Buddhist canons. Phase 1 will consist of creating and
launching a technically advanced catalog website for the MCU edition of the Pali
canon and the MCU Thai translation of the Pali canon.

"Vesak," commonly referred to among Thais as "Visakha Puja,” is the most
sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world. It is recognized
internationally by the United Nations to acknowledge the contribution that
Buddhism has made and continues to make to the spirituality of humanity.

Thailand is holding a Buddhism week from 29 May to 9 June 2015 nationwide
to mark Visakha Puja, or the "World Day of Vesak.”

The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2015 will be held during the green season
from June to August, as part of Thailand’s "Discover Thaines” campaign.

The event aims to stimulate the domestic tourism market and promote local
products. As in previous years, the Grand Sale is intended to boost tourism and
visitor expenditure. It will help promote the image of Thailand as a major
shopping destination and contribute to employment generation and income
distribution nationwide.

In order to encourage spending among local and international tourists, the
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has encouraged many shops, malls, and tour
companies, as well as accommodation and spa establishments to join the Grand
Sale by offering up to an 80 percent discount on their products and services.

In launching the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2015, TAT and NCC Exhibition
Organizer will join hands in organizing the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Fair at
the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok from 11 to14 June 2015.

The fair, which will be in its 14th year, is one of Thailand’s major
discount events for tourism products and services. This year, a total of 340
exhibitors, including vendors and operators of tourism-related products and
services, have registered to participate in the fair.

The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Fair will feature fashion products from
young designers who have made their names on the Internet. They will use this
event as a stage to show their potential and further expand their businesses.

According to TAT, the four-day fair is expected to attract up to 80,000
visitors, representing a 10 percent increase over the previous year. It is
likely to generate about 120 million baht spending on the tourism products and
services available at the event.

The Government declared 2015 the Year of "Discover Thainess” for tourism
campaign. This campaign emphasizes the country's unique cultural treasures and
the Thai way of life. It is an attempt to attract first-time and repeat visitors
to explore Thailand’s new destinations.

Thailand is a world-class shopping destination. From numerous street stalls
to one of the world’s biggest bazaars, the Weekend Market, and the mega-malls of
Bangkok, there is a shopping spree for every income bracket.

Thai silk, woodcarvings, and other handicrafts have become internationally
renowned. Many items, such as sterling silver, are as famous for their quality
as their affordability. As a result of the promotion of the "One Tambon, One
Product, or OTOP,” program, many craftspeople from rural parts of the country
have been able to set up cottage industries to revive dying arts and crafts,
which are then sold to tourists.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has stated that his government’s vision is
to see Thailand in the years 2015-2020 enjoying "Stability, Prosperity, and
Sustainability.”

The statement was part of his remarks at the opening ceremony of the 71st
Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific (ESCAP), on 28 May 2015, at the United Nations Conference Center in
Bangkok.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister explained the vision. "Stability
includes political stability as well as safety of people’s lives and properties.
The rule of law and access to justice are the foundation of development. At the
same time, stability is the cornerstone of prosperity as it provides an
atmosphere conducive to economic growth, trade and investment. Trade and
investment must have prudent measures, risk protection, as well as resistance to
shocks such as fluctuations in the global economy or natural disasters. Most
importantly, to ensure sustainability, economic growth must be
environment-friendly so not to impact on the development capital of future
generations.

"Sustainable development must embrace people’s needs and build on a
genuine understanding of their concerns on the grounds, from their communities.
In this regard, Thailand has been guided by His Majesty the King’s Sufficiency
Economy Philosophy in formulating our development policies.

"Sufficiency Economy Philosophy teaches us to build strength from within,
at the individual, community and society levels. It teaches us to act with
knowledge, understanding and moderation. In business terms, this translates to
resource efficiency, evidence-based policy-making, as well as having insurance,
immunity and resilience.”

Prime Minister Prayut said that Thailand will strive for a balance between
the three pillars of development, namely, economic, social and environment.

"Economic pillar: A strong economy is one that expands inclusively, strives
to alleviate poverty and inequality, narrows development gaps, and provides
opportunities for equal access to resources. Thus, Thailand emphasizes
strengthening the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the
agricultural sector. To enhance national competitiveness, we have given high
priority to science and technology as well as innovation to create high-value
added products.

"Social pillar: Societies must be equal and equitable, adhere to good
governance, and geared towards raising the living standards of people in terms
of health, education and welfare. Thailand has promoted universal health
coverage and has focused on human life-cycle development to promote quality
growth of children from birth on, so that one can have a decent employment and
retirement with dignity.

"Environmental pillar: The impacts of climate change and natural disasters
are common challenges for humankind. Economic growth must not be achieved at the
expense of the environment. We should promote renewable energy and
environment-friendly industrial development. Moreover, countries must accord
priority to disaster risk reduction and strengthening resilience to disasters
which are increasing in severity. Other areas in which Thailand attaches great
importance to are integrated water resources management, restoration of upstream
forests, and incorporating resiliency to urban planning and development to lower
losses of lives and properties.”

Prime Minister Prayut emphasized that a balanced and sustainable
development can only be achieved with people, quality people. The development of
human capital should encompass their physical, mental and intellectual growth. A
country’s competitive edge cannot be heightened in the absence of human
resources. Access to quality education is a common challenge for many countries.
Social development begins in families and schools. Life-long learning must be
promoted.

"Moreover, the digital age we are living in now allows us to learn and
communicate in every single minute. Therefore, we should use social media to
create value and knowledge rather than provoke division and hatred,” he
said.

The Government is striving to expand markets for Thai community products,
under the "One Tambon One Product,” or "OTOP,” program.

Deputy Interior Minister Suthee Markboon stated that the Ministry of
Interior, through the Community Development Department, has continued to develop
the quality and potential of OTOP products, which would have a larger market in
the ASEAN region.

Mr. Suthee presided over the opening of the OTOP Midyear 2015 Fair, being
held at the Exhibition Halls 3-8, IMPACT Trade and Exhibition Center, Muang
Thong Thani, Nonthaburi province, from 25 to 31 May 2015.

In the opening ceremony, he explained that the Government has a policy to
promote the OTOP program in order to strengthen the local economy, thus
contributing to the overall Thai economy. In 2015, the Ministry of Interior has
set a target for earnings from OTOP products to reach 100 billion baht.

The OTOP program aims to build up small enterprises in communities by
encouraging the people to manufacture local products using their homegrown
skills and expertise. It is a way of stimulating human creativity and innovation
at the grassroots level, as well as generating more income for local people. The
Government offers assistance and advice in terms of modern technology,
marketing, and management techniques. The assistance will make their products
attractive to both domestic and international markets. It will also enable
villagers to produce their goods to meet higher standards.

The OTOP Midyear 2015 Fair comprises more than 1,500 booths, with OTOP
products from the four regions of the country. There is a food bazaar comprising
120 booths. Apart from an exhibition and demonstrations of OTOP making, the fair
also features halal OTOP products from the southern border provinces. The fair
also includes several cultural performances.

Apart from marketing channels, OTOP operators also want the Government to
provide them with greater access to funding sources. At the OTOP Midyear 2015
Fair, a special zone is arranged to provide financial counseling services for
OTOP operators by leading financial institutions, such as the Government Savings
Bank and SME Bank.

The ASEAN Community, which will become a market of 600 million people, will
be in place in late 2015. OTOP operators will have greater opportunities to
expand their products into other ASEAN markets.

The OTOP initiative has provided employment and generated income in
respective localities, while helping communities reduce out-migration in search
of jobs elsewhere. At the same time, it will ensure that wealth circulates
within the communities, thereby increasing the purchasing power in rural areas.

The Religious Affairs Department is scheduled to hold a Buddhism week from
29 May to 9 June 2015 nationwide to mark the Visakha Puja Festival, or the
"World Day of Vesak.”

On this occasion, Thailand is hosting the 12th United Nations Day of Vesak
Celebration 2015 between 28 and 30 May. More than 5,000 Buddhists and Buddhist
monks from 90 countries are expected to attend this event.

Visakha Puja, or the Day of Vesak, commemorates the birth of the Buddha,
his attainment of enlightenment, and his passing away. An extraordinary aspect
of the occasion is that the three incidents took place on the same day but
different years. In 2015, this significant day coincides with 1 June. Visakha
Puja is recognized as an international event by the United Nations

In Bangkok, events for the Buddhism week will be held at the Sanam Luang
ceremonial site. Among various activities are exhibitions, Dhamma lectures,
sermons, prayers, alms-offering, and a candle-lit procession. The Religious
Affairs Department is also joining hands with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority
in organizing religious tours of nine temples for interested people. The Bangkok
National Museum will allow people to pay homage to significant Buddha images
inside the museum during the period. In the provinces, the provincial culture
offices and local temples will jointly hold religious activities to celebrate
this festival.

Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat said that copies of pamphlets in Thai,
English, and Chinese have been distributed for both Thais and international
tourists, to help them know more about the Visakha Puja Festival. A campaign has
also been launched to encourage the people to display the Thai national flag,
together with the Dhamma Wheel flag, in front of their households, and to make
merit, as well as refraining from all vices, as a tribute to the Buddha.

As for the 12th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration 2015, it will take
place at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, a public Buddhist university
in Wang Noi district of Ayutthaya province, and at the United Nations Conference
Center in Bangkok. The participating Buddhist leaders and monks will also join a
candle-lit procession at Buddhamonthon, a Buddhist religious center in Nakhon
Pathom province.

The 12th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration features an international
conference on the theme "Buddhism and World Crisis.” The conference comprises
discussions on four major topics: Buddhist Response to Social Conflict, Buddhist
Response to Environmental Degradation, Buddhism and ASEAN Community, and
Buddhist Response to Educational Crisis. There will be a keynote address on
Buddhism and World Crisis by Dr. Damien Keown, Emeritus Professor of Buddhist
Ethics at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Dr. Keown stated that, while the world had faced many crises in the past,
the threat seems greater today because of modern developments, such as
globalization, advanced technology, mass migration, and the accelerated speed of
transport and communications. There is a greater need than ever for Buddhist
teachings to be heard, and not just heard but implemented with commitment and
decisiveness.

The Government is attaching great importance to fostering innovation and
has introduced measures to promote research and development in order to attain
the goal of stability, prosperity, and sustainability.

In his televised national address on 22 May 2015 in the program "Return
Happiness to the People,” Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that the listing
of Thai innovations and the opening up of markets for innovative Thai products
and services are among measures to promote innovation for development.

Government agencies are also allowed to buy products and services on the
innovation list with at least 10 percent of their budget allocations each year,
but not exceeding 30 percent. However, the products and services must be
certified by relevant agencies to ensure their accepted standards. They also
must be creative and applicable on a commercial basis.

The Industrial Technology Assistance Program has been carried out and
extended in an effort to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The project is intended to help SMEs solve their technical problems and meet the
challenges in introducing technology-based products and processes.

The Prime Minister explained that a target had been set to develop 13,000
entrepreneurs. The public sector will provide five billion baht in financial
assistance, which accounts for one-third of the total investment budget. The
remaining amount will come from investments by the private sector. It is
expected that the program will reduce production costs for SMEs and contribute
to the country’s overall economy. The program is likely to generate employment,
valued at 90 billion baht, within six years, as well.

The Prime Minister said that a fund has been set up in the form of a "fund
of funds” to mobilize money for investment through a joint-venture fund,
established by universities and research institutes. The funding source will
support the country’s innovation on a commercial basis.

Meanwhile, Minister of Science and Technology Pichet Durongkaveroj said
that the Committee on the Development of the National Innovation System, during
its recent meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, stressed the importance of
using science and innovation in enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness and
upgrading people’s quality of life.

The meeting agreed to spread innovation to the regional areas of the
country. The Ministry of Science and Technology has been assigned to hold a Thai
innovation festival in 2015 in the North, the South, and the Northeast.

The Government Public Relations Department has been instructed to
disseminate more news and information on innovation, so that Thailand’s
innovative products and services would become better known. The meeting also
agreed to use markets in the public sector to launch certain innovative products
and services, which would make them more widely accepted.

Banks have been urged to plan ahead and invest more for the future to meet
trends and challenges in both Thailand and the region.

In his speech at the Association of International Banks Dinner Talk on 21
May 2015 in Bangkok, Governor of the Bank of Thailand Dr. Prasarn Trairatvorakul
highlighted the trends and challenges from technological developments, the
ageing society, urbanization, and regionalization.

Firstly, Dr. Prasarn stated that, with technological developments,
traditional barriers to entry were brought down, allowing non-banks, such as
financial technology ("fintech”) companies and cross-border players, into the
market, which helped reduce operating costs. At the same time, consumers expect
better and more timely services. Banking has become something that customers
want to do "anytime and anywhere,” and they want to do it cheaply as well. While
technology may help people reach their destination faster, it also dictates that
they be more adaptive and responsive to changes. Banks that get stuck in the
past will lose out quickly.

A second challenge that put banks’ adaptability to the test is the shifting
demographic structure of Thailand’s population. It is expected that by 2025, the
number of older persons in Thailand will account for 20 percent of the
population and exceed the number of children under 15 years old.

In an ageing society, Dr. Prasarn said, banks that are able to cater to the
needs of an older population and tailor their products to accommodate changing
demands would be successful.

The next trend, urbanization, happening in many East Asian countries,
brings both challenges and opportunities. According to the World Bank Research
that had come out early this year, almost twelve million people in Thailand now
live in urban areas; about ten million live in Bangkok alone. The number seems
low for the area outside Bangkok because of the strict definition of urban areas
employed by the World Bank.

The same research also says that cities outside Bangkok are growing at a
much faster rate, and some cities, such as Surat Thani, have more than doubled
their population in ten years. Urbanization results in increased purchasing
power and fuels domestic demand. More infrastructure investments, such as
housing, electricity, and transportation, will be required. This is where the
financial sector can contribute and benefit from the development.

The trend toward regionalization poses a fourth challenge as well as an
opportunity for the banking sector. With the commencement of the ASEAN Economic
Community in late 2015, competition will intensify, benefiting those prepared to
pursue opportunities across borders. ASEAN as a group has already agreed on its
Financial Integration Post-2015 Vision for 2025, and now is in the process of
operationalizing it with the milestones and targets to be set in all areas,
including banking, capital markets, and insurance.

The Governor of the Bank of Thailand stressed that banks could no longer
afford to focus on maximizing short-term returns at the expense of future growth
and competitiveness. They should not get struck with maximizing short-term
returns or past successes, but must invest more for the future.

The national budget for the 2016 fiscal year has been set at 2.720 trillion
baht, representing an increase of 145 billion baht, or 5.6 percent, over that of
2015.

In his statement on the 2016 national budget at the first reading by the
National Legislative Assembly on 21 May 2015, Prime Minister General Prayut
Chan-o-cha explained that out of the national budget, more than 2.706 trillion
baht would be set aside for the regular expenditures of various government
agencies and state enterprises, while 13.5 billion baht would be allocated as
payments for the national reserves.

Like the 2015 national budget, the 2016 national budget has been set on the
basis of the Sufficiency Economy approach and the royal advice to "understand,
reach out, and develop.” The objective is to attain the goal of stability,
prosperity, and sustainability, in accordance with Thailand’s vision 2015-2020.

The budget is also based on the principles set in the 11th National
Economic and Social Development Plan, 2012-2016. It will be a deficit budget
because there are still many risks in the country’s economic situation. The
investment budget accounts for 20 percent of the total budget.

The Government expects that it will be able to earn 2.439 trillion baht in
revenue in the 2016 fiscal year. It will also continue to maintain strict fiscal
discipline. Public debt now accounts for only 46 percent of GDP.

General Prayut said that the Thai economy in 2016 is predicted to expand by
3.7 to 4.7 percent, as the global economy is likely to improve and Thai exports
are expected to increase. Inflation is expected to stand at a low level of
between 1.1 and 2.1 percent. A major risk is that oil prices might increase more
quickly than expected, and the stronger baht might affect the export sector.

Thailand’s international reserves at the end of March 2015 were 516.3
billion US dollars. This level is considered stable. As of 14 May 2015, the
national reserves stood at 180.7 billion baht. Thailand continues to record a
current account surplus.

In order to prepare Thailand for the ASEAN Community in late 2015, a budget
of about six billion baht has been set aside for 18 ministries and 153 agencies.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of
Social Development and Human Security will serve as major responsible agencies.

About 6.4 billion baht has been allocated for developing special economic
zones, 70 billion baht for water resource management, and 30.5 billion baht for
the resolving of problems in the southern border provinces.

The National Legislative Assembly passed the national budget bill in its
first reading and formed a 50-member ad hoc committee to scrutinize the bill.
The second and third readings are scheduled for 17 August 2015.

The National Rice Policy and Management Committee has set a goal of
developing Thailand as a leading country for rice trade in the world market
through efficient marketing mechanisms.

Thailand also aims to seek cooperation with ASEAN in order to create a
balance in both production and trade, so that the country will become a stable
rice-producing country. As a result, farmers will have better living conditions
and farmers’ organizations will be strengthened. This will also lead to a fair
trade system, without market distortions.

In his keynote address on 20 May 2015 at Thailand Rice Convention 2015,
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said that the Government has worked out
clear policies and strategies to develop Thai rice. Despite market fluctuations
and impacts on rice production, caused by various forms of natural disasters, as
well as greater competition, Thailand is still striving to produce and export
rice of good quality to consumers worldwide.

In 2014, Thailand reclaimed the world's top rice exporter status. It
exported 10.97 million tons of rice, valued at 5,439 million US dollars. In
2015, Thailand has set a target to export rice in both volume and value, close
to that of 2014. Major importers of Thai rice include China, the United States,
the European Union, South Africa, and countries of Oceania.

The Prime Minister said that demand for rice is increasing in accordance
with the growing world population. It is predicted to increase by 11 percent,
from 435 million tons in 2009-2010 to 483 million tons in 2014-2015. The
Government is aware of the need to restructure rice production and management in
line with the changing situation.

In the short term, the Government will reduce the areas for off-season rice
farming, assist farmers in rice production planning, and promote research and
development in order to increase the potential for the production of
high-quality rice.

In the long term, it focuses on developing rice varieties, with high yields
but low production costs. A target has been set to increase Thai rice production
by 25 percent and reduce production costs by 20 percent in 2021. At the same
time, the Government will promote top-quality rice for niche markets, such as
organic rice, sprouted brown rice, riceberry rice, and Sang Yot rice. The
objective is to add value and diversity to Thai rice. New technology will be
adopted to reduce production costs and increase efficiency, as well as upgrading
the value chain and the processing of rice into various products.

In order to maintain the quality of Thai rice, premium rice and indigenous
rice that has been registered as geographical indications, such as Thung Kula
Ronghai rice, will receive a major boost. Thai rice culture will also be added
to various international trade fairs in order to make Thai rice better known
worldwide.

Moreover, the Government is implementing a policy to develop special
economic zones to add value to rice and other agricultural products from
Thailand and neighboring countries.

The Election Commission of Thailand has been entrusted with arranging a
national referendum on the draft constitution of Thailand.

The decision was made by a joint meeting of the Cabinet and the National
Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), chaired by Prime Minister General Prayut
Chan-o-cha on 19 May 2015.

The meeting agreed that the 2014 Interim Constitution be amended to allow
the organizing of the national referendum in the next step. After the passage of
the draft constitution, the national referendum would take place immediately.
The Prime Minister said that the amendment to the Interim Constitution had been
proposed by the National Reform Council. The national referendum would also
delay the timeframe of the roadmap set earlier for a general election.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said that the amendment to the
Interim Constitution is likely to be carried out in June. The Cabinet and NCPO
would propose that the National Reform Council vote to amend the Interim
Constitution within 15 days. The Election Commission of Thailand will have to
print the draft constitution for 47 million eligible voters to consider.

Mr. Wissanu said that the national referendum is expected to take place in
January 2016. After the referendum, about four months will be needed for the
process of drafting organic laws. Then a general election will be held within 90
days after the announcement of the organic laws.

The upcoming national referendum on the constitution will be the second of
its kind in Thai history. The first referendum took place on 19 August 2007 for
the 18th constitution of Thailand. It went smoothly in all parts of the country.
Official results, announced on the following day by the Election Commission of
Thailand, showed that out of 45 million eligible voters, 25.9 million cast their
ballots on the referendum day. A total of 57.8 percent of voters chose to
support the new charter, while 42.2 percent voted against it.

At the joint meeting of the Cabinet and NCPO on 19 May 2015, both sides
also discussed efforts to continue to move the country toward stability,
prosperity, and sustainability. Their joint efforts aim to maintain internal
security and prevent conflicts. They also seek to mobilize the national
administration for the maximum benefit of the people, plan for reform in the
future, and amend laws to facilitate national administration.

Mr. Wissanu explained to the meeting that Section 44 of the Interim
Constitution was recently used to solve problems concerning Thailand’s civil
aviation industry, in order to comply with the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) standards, as well as illegal, unreported, and unregulated
(IUU) fishing. It aims to complete certain tasks that would normally take
considerable time to implement.

He reaffirmed that Section 44 had not been used in terms of judicial power,
which is exercised through the courts.

The Cabinet, during its meeting on 19 May 2015, acknowledged a report on
Thailand’s economic situation in the first quarter of 2015. According to the
report, the Thai economy in the first quarter of 2015 grew by 3 percent,
accelerating from 2.1 percent in the previous quarter.

The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB)
stated that the growth rate was spurred by non-agricultural expansion, which
rose by 4.1 percent.

The expenditure side was assisted by the expansion of private consumption
expenditure, government investment, and export of services. On the production
side, improvements were seen in almost all sectors, especially the construction,
hotel and restaurant, transportation, and industrial sectors, which continued to
grow. After seasonal adjustment, the Thai economy in the first quarter of 2015
expanded by 0.3 percent over the fourth quarter of 2014.

Private consumption increased by 2.4 percent, improving from the growth of
2 percent in the previous quarter. General government consumption increased by
2.5 percent, compared to a 3.6 percent growth in the previous quarter.

Total investment grew by 10.7 percent, accelerating from a 3.2 percent
growth in the previous quarter. Public investment expanded by 37.8 percent.
Construction improved remarkably, as the disbursement of the Government’s
capital budget in land and construction grew by 74 percent. Private investment
expanded by 3.6 percent. For the first time in seven quarters, the Business
Sentiment Index stood at a level higher than 50, which is the level at which
business expand their investment.

The export value was recorded at 52.9 billion US dollars – a 4.3 percent
contraction – and the export volume declined by 2.6 percent. The decline was a
result of several factors: the deceleration in key trading partners’ economies,
especially China and Japan; the appreciation of the baht; the drop in export
prices in line with lower crude oil prices and agricultural prices in global
markets; and the end of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for Thai
exports to Europe.

Export products recorded an expansion in value, including automotive
products, machinery and equipment, integrated circuits and parts, and printed
circuits. The export products that experienced a contraction in value included
rice, rubber, cassava, petro-chemical products, and petroleum products.

Exports to major markets, such as the United States and Australia, expanded
in this quarter, while exports to the European Union, Japan, China, and ASEAN
contracted.

According to the NESDB’s press release on 18 May 2015, the Thai economy in
2015 is projected to grow by 3-4 percent, downwardly revised from the previous
projection of between 3.5 and 4.5 percent. The revision is mainly due to a
downward revision of the export volume.